U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Russ Feingold (D-WI) introduced S. 2131, which seeks to prevent arbitration in livestock and poultry contracts unless both parties have given written consent after a dispute arises.

In introducing the measure, Grassley said, “Often when there is a dispute between the packer and the family farmer, and the contract between the two includes an arbitration clause, the family farmer has no alternative but to accept arbitration to resolve the dispute. Arbitration has its benefits in certain cases, so it should be an option, but is should not be the only option.”

The duo introduced similar legislation in the 108th Congress.